The smartphone market presents a constant trade-off between cutting-edge features and long-term value. This comparison pits the Fairphone 3, a champion of repairability and ethical sourcing, against the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (India), a device focused on delivering a premium experience with rapid charging and 5G connectivity at a competitive price. We’ll dissect their core components to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing speed and convenience, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (India) is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 695 and 67W charging offer a significantly smoother and faster experience. However, the Fairphone 3 remains a compelling choice for environmentally conscious users who value repairability and longevity above all else.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 26 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/150 Mbps | HSPA, LTE-A (CA), 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August 27. Released 2019, September 03 | 2022, March 09 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back |
| Dimensions | 158 x 71.8 x 9.9 mm (6.22 x 2.83 x 0.39 in) | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~427 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.65 inches, 82.4 cm2 (~72.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 700 nits, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM632 Snapdragon 632 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 13 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF | - |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0" | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 42 min (advertised) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3040 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Mirage Blue, Phantom White, Stealth Black |
| Models | - | 2201116SI |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.39 W/kg (head) 1.41 W/kg (body) | - |
Fairphone 3
- Exceptional repairability and modularity
- Ethical sourcing and sustainable design
- Long-term software support commitment
- Lower performance compared to modern chipsets
- Slower charging speeds
- Potentially higher initial cost
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (India)
- Fast 67W charging
- 5G connectivity
- Strong performance with Snapdragon 695
- Less repairable design
- Potential for software bloatware
- Shorter software support lifespan compared to Fairphone
Display Comparison
While display specifications aren't provided for the Fairphone 3, its focus isn't on bleeding-edge screen technology. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (India) likely features an AMOLED panel, common for Xiaomi's mid-range offerings, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The key differentiator here is likely the Redmi's higher peak brightness and potentially a higher refresh rate, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience. The Fairphone 3's display is likely more focused on practicality and durability than visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for the Fairphone 3 are limited, but it's known for its modularity, allowing for camera module upgrades. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (India) is expected to feature a higher resolution main sensor, potentially a 108MP or 200MP sensor, offering greater detail and flexibility in post-processing. The Redmi’s image processing algorithms, while often leaning towards saturated colors, are generally more sophisticated than what the Fairphone 3 can offer. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G’s larger sensor size and wider aperture will also excel in low-light conditions, capturing brighter and clearer images.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (India) boasts a significant performance advantage thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) chipset. This 6nm process node is more efficient than the Fairphone 3’s Snapdragon 632 (14nm), resulting in better thermal management and sustained performance. The Snapdragon 695’s Kryo 660 cores, with a 2x2.2 GHz configuration, outperform the Fairphone 3’s 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Gold cores in both single-core and multi-core tasks. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience for the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G. The Fairphone 3, while capable for everyday tasks, will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (India) truly shines with its 67W wired charging, capable of reaching 100% in just 42 minutes (advertised). This is a game-changer for users who prioritize convenience and minimal downtime. While the Fairphone 3’s battery capacity isn’t specified, it’s likely smaller and charges significantly slower. The Snapdragon 695’s 6nm efficiency also contributes to better battery life on the Redmi, offsetting the potential impact of faster charging cycles. The Fairphone 3’s focus is on battery longevity through replaceable components, rather than rapid charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Fairphone 3 if you need a phone you can easily repair yourself, prioritize ethical sourcing and sustainability, and are willing to accept moderate performance. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (India) if you prefer a faster processor for gaming and multitasking, demand rapid charging capabilities, and want 5G connectivity without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Fairphone 3's modularity truly worth the extra cost and performance compromise?
For users who frequently repair their own devices or are committed to reducing electronic waste, the Fairphone 3's modularity is a significant benefit. It allows for easy replacement of components like the battery, screen, and camera, extending the phone's lifespan and reducing the need for complete replacements. However, if performance and features are your top priorities, the cost may not be justified.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 695 in the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G handle graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver the same performance as flagship chipsets, it provides a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for most users. The 6nm process also helps to mitigate thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ What is the long-term software support commitment for the Fairphone 3?
Fairphone is known for its commitment to long-term software support. The Fairphone 3 is guaranteed updates until at least 2025, and Fairphone actively works with the community to extend support even further. This is a significant advantage over many other Android devices, which typically receive only a few years of updates.
